“DUN-DUN… DUN-DUN… DUN-DUN-DUN-DUN-DUN-DUN!”
If you just hummed Jaws, you’re our kind of mom. The blockbuster that made everyone tiptoe into Lake Erie turns 50 this summer, and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is throwing a month-long bash to honor the ocean’s most misunderstood VIPs—sharks and their graceful cousins, stingrays.
From July 8 to August 5, Fin Fest transforms the Greater Cleveland Aquarium into a hands-on classroom packed with feeds, underwater Q&As, science demos, crafts and even a chance to help a stingray paint (seriously!). We made the quick drive from Akron last year—here’s why you’ll want to pack up the kids and dive in.
Why Sharks & Rays Matter (and Why Your Kids Will Care)
Ecosystem Engineers – These elasmobranchs keep marine food webs balanced.
Living Time Capsules – Greenland sharks can live 400+ years; what secrets can they teach us about aging?
They’re NOT Man-Eaters – Statistically, roundworms and freshwater snails are more dangerous to humans. (Let that sink in.)
Pure Wow Factor – A 175-foot SeaTube, toothy grins and stingray “fly-bys” beat another afternoon of screen time.
Fin Fest Daily Highlights (Included with admission: $19.95 adults, $13.95 kids 2-12, under 2 & members free)
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 10 AM – 5 PM | 4-Page Activity Book + Snap-n-Tag Shark & Ray Scavenger Hunt |
| 10:45 AM & 4:15 PM | Discovery Cart: touch teeth, compare shark jaws, earn trading cards |
| 1:30 PM | Underwater Diver Q&A – ask anything while a scuba team member chats from inside the tank |
| 2:30 PM (M/W/F) | Aquarist Shark Feed – see how 4 shark species chow down |
| 3:30 PM | Public Stingray Feed – first come, first served |
| 3:45 PM (T/Th/Sat) | Broadcast Habitat Feed – live narration of what all the tankmates eat |
Community partners—from Cleveland Water to Great Lakes Science Center—add games and experiments every Tues/Thurs, 11 AM–2 PM.
Plan Your Trip
Drive & Parking – 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland (Flats West Bank). Park in the ProPark right out front of the entrance.
Beat the Crowd – Arrive at 10 AM sharp; the SeaTube is nearly empty for the first half-hour.
- Pack Shark Shirts – Instant contest entry (for a chance to win a shark-and-ray-themed $125 Gift Shop prize pack) + adorable photos.
Extend the Day – Walk the riverfront boardwalk
Quick FAQ
Is it stroller-friendly? Yes, elevators connect every level.
Can toddlers feed rays? Absolutely—staff will show you how to do it and you can tray as a family. Stingray touching is easier than feed and just as fun with the simple 2-finger touch.
Discounts? Military, first-responder and senior discounts available on-site with ID.
Posts on this site may contain sponsored content, paid link placements, or affiliate links. I may earn a commission or fee if you click a link or purchase through these recommendations at no additional cost to you.
Get your kids excited with fun shark videos from the Greater Cleveland Aquarium youtube channel.
Ready to Make a Splash?
Tickets sell fast once Shark Week chatter hits social media. Buy online at GreaterClevelandAquarium.com and tag us (@AkronOhioMoms) in your fin-tastic photos—we’ll repost our favorites!
